Give-Back Birthday Parties

Gallery: Kids Against Hunger Birthday Party [10 Images] Click any image to expand.

By
Jeannie Johnson

When do you typically start planning a
birthday party?

Usually about a month before we decide what kind of party to have.

What guidelines do you set for your children
when planning their birthday festivities?

We like to try to include everyone, so we try to choose a party that is
affordable and will allow us to do that

Do you have both a birthday party with your
children's friends and a family party? Why or why not?

They always have a family party, and that is where they get their bigger
gifts. As the kids get into older ages, 8 and up, we like to plan a
"give-back" party where they get to choose a charity and the
gifts/service goes to the charity. It’s amazing how much fun the kids have when
they are given the opportunity to give back on their special day.

Why did your children choose to celebrate
their birthdays with a volunteer activity? How has it impacted them?

Our "give-back" parties started a few years ago when our son
wanted to invite everyone in his class to his party because he didn't want to
leave anyone out. He told us that it hurts not to be included, and he wanted
everyone to be included. At that point we asked him if he really
"needed" 40 presents, because that's how many kids would be there. It
was at that point that he suggested giving the gifts away to kids who don't have/get
many gifts.

The idea grew from there. We researched some local charities, and that
first year we gave the gifts to Children's Care Hospital. We got a list of
needed items and instead of the kids bringing gifts for the birthday boy, they
picked a gift from the list and brought that. We had a pool party for the kids
to swim and bring the gifts. The next year he chose the Castle Club through
Sanford Children’s Hospital to be the recipient of the birthday giving. It is
especially awesome when the kids get to deliver the gifts themselves. The past
two years we have chosen Kids Against Hunger because it is not only a give-back
program but the kids also get to do the hard work in packing the meals. They
bring a donation instead of a birthday gift. The older kids really enjoy doing
this, and it becomes a competition to see if they can beat last year's meal
packing number and beat each other's tables.

How many meals did you pack? How much time
did it take?

Our record was over 10,000 meals at one party. We packed for about 1 1/2
hrs. The younger kids packed a bit slower, so their numbers were lower.

Why do you, as a parent, think it's
important to consider a birthday party that gives back to the community?

Our kids are fortunate and really don't need one more gift card or
another toy. Giving back teaches them to look at those less fortunate and help
them. It takes them outside of themselves and looks at the needs of those
around them. They can really make a difference in our community, even at a
young age.

What did the guests think of the parties?

Parents LOVED that they didn't have to go get yet another gift, wondering
if that child already HAD that gift. Some parents stayed and helped and really
enjoyed the whole experience. Kids had a ton of fun!

Did you do any other birthday activities? If
so, what were they?

For the Kids Against Hunger parties we just had cupcakes one year and
handed out candy bars the next year. For CCHS and Sanford Children’s, we had
pool parties and pizza. Nothing we did took a ton of planning. The kids just
want to hang together and play!

What advice do you have for others planning
a child's birthday party?

Research different charities and chose a "give-back" party. What
better way to make your birthday child feel special than by helping them
organize such a meaningful event to help others? I know others who have done a
give-back party for the Humane Society.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Once you do one "give-back" party, you will want to do all your
parties like this!